Saathi Sanitation Solutions

Saathi Sanitation Solutions. It is a social enterprise based in Ahmedabad, India, that manufactures fully biodegradable and compostable sanitary pads made from banana fiber. Founded in 2015, the company addresses interconnected issues of menstrual hygiene management, environmental sustainability, and women's employment in rural India.

History and founding

The company was co-founded in 2015 by engineers Kristin Kagetsu and Tarun Bothra, who met while studying at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Their research into sustainable materials and appropriate technology for developing countries led them to focus on menstrual health in India, where access to safe, affordable products remains a significant challenge. Initial development and prototyping were supported by grants from the MIT IDEAS Global Challenge and the D-Lab at MIT, which focuses on frugal innovation. The founders chose Ahmedabad in the state of Gujarat as their base due to its proximity to banana farming regions and a supportive ecosystem for social entrepreneurship. Early operations involved extensive collaboration with local agricultural communities to source raw materials and with self-help groups to understand user needs.

Products and technology

The core product is a sanitary pad composed of three biodegradable layers. The top sheet and core absorbent material are made from processed banana fiber, a strong, absorbent agricultural waste product sourced from local farms in Gujarat. The back sheet is made from a compostable bioplastic derived from corn starch. The pads are free of superabsorbent polymers, chlorine, fragrance, and other synthetic materials. Production utilizes proprietary machinery designed for decentralized, small-scale manufacturing, enabling local production and reducing carbon footprint associated with transportation. The entire product is designed to decompose within six months in a composting environment, unlike conventional pads which contain plastic and can take centuries to degrade.

Social and environmental impact

The company's impact model operates on three primary axes: health, environment, and economic empowerment. By providing a chemically safe and affordable product, it aims to improve menstrual hygiene and reduce the risk of infections among women in rural India, where access to such products is often limited. Environmentally, the pads offer a sustainable alternative to the millions of non-biodegradable pads contributing to solid waste in landfills and sewage systems across India. The business also creates employment opportunities for women in local communities, involving them in manufacturing, distribution, and as community health ambassadors to educate on menstrual health through partnerships with NGOs like Goonj and Swaniti Initiative.

Business model and operations

The enterprise operates on a hybrid business model, combining commercial sales with direct distribution through corporate social responsibility (CSR) partnerships and non-governmental organization programs. Pads are sold directly to consumers via e-commerce platforms like Amazon India and through retail partners in urban areas, which helps cross-subsidize lower-cost distribution in rural regions. For rural outreach, the company works with networks of Anganwadi workers, ASHA (Accredited Social Health Activist) workers, and local Self-Help Groups. Manufacturing is intentionally decentralized, with a primary facility in Ahmedabad and plans for smaller units closer to raw material sources and end markets to bolster local economies and reduce logistics costs.

Recognition and awards

The company's innovative approach has received significant recognition from global institutions. It was a winner of the prestigious UN Environment Programme's Young Champions of the Earth award in 2017. It has also been honored by the World Economic Forum, which named it a Technology Pioneer in 2018. Other accolades include the World Bank's "SDGs & Her" competition and the Global Social Venture Competition. The founders have been invited to speak at forums such as the United Nations General Assembly and the Skoll World Forum on social entrepreneurship.

Category:Social enterprises Category:Companies based in Ahmedabad Category:Sanitation companies of India